Perth, Jan 17: Today marks the debut of Quiksilver’s new boardshorts, accompanied by a groundbreaking innovation: seaweed-based, plastic-like wax combs, developed by the Australian startup Uluu.
This launch introduces the world to Uluu, a seaweed-derived material that mimics plastic’s properties but avoids the environmental hazards associated with fossil fuels and microplastics.
This release is the culmination of two years of dedicated research by Uluu, perfecting the transformation of farmed seaweed into a viable plastic substitute.
Amidst the escalating global plastics crisis, which has seen plastic waste generation double in the past two decades and projected to triple by 2060, Uluu presents a scalable solution.
Its materials not only replace traditional plastics but also contribute positively to combating global warming and rejuvenating ocean health.
The ‘Made with Uluu’ wax combs, featured with the newly released Quiksilver boardshorts, are the inaugural commercial application of Uluu’s product.
Dr. Julia Reisser, Uluu co-founder and co-CEO, expressed the significance of the wax combs, offered as a complimentary gift with the boardshorts.
“They’re more than just small items; they symbolize our initial stride in substituting harmful plastics with eco-friendly alternatives,” she remarked.
Dr. Reisser highlighted the potential of a natural, plastic-like material that’s both recyclable and compostable, sparking a wave of sustainable business practices across various sectors.
Uluu’s eco-friendly production process employs a fermentation technique akin to beer brewing. The company has innovated a versatile array of natural polymers, PHAs, that emulate plastic’s durability yet are biodegradable and free from fossil fuels.
Notably, Uluu’s materials are derived from seaweed farming, which actively reduces atmospheric CO2 and mitigates ocean pollution, while providing sustainable employment in coastal areas.
Michael Kingsbury, Uluu’s co-founder and co-CEO, views the wax combs as a pioneering venture in the company’s collaboration with Quiksilver.
“This release marks the beginning of our extensive partnership with this iconic brand,” he said, hinting at future plans to create ‘Made with Uluu’ apparel that aligns with environmental values without sacrificing performance.
Quiksilver’s brand director Andy Norling emphasized Uluu’s goal to supplant polyester in clothing, maintaining quality while ending the outdoor industry’s dependency on fossil fuels.
“This is a vital step towards eliminating persistent microplastics throughout the lifecycle of apparel,” he stated.
The innovative ‘Made with Uluu’ wax comb is now available with every purchase of Quiksilver’s environmentally conscious Made Better Boardshort.
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